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Mary Plummer
What I cover
As managing editor for enterprise reporting and investigations, I oversee many of the newsroom’s editor and reporter teams. I love local news and supporting the journalists who cover our communities.
My background
I started my broadcast career at ABC News, and since then, I’ve worked at nonprofit newsrooms. Most of that time has been right here at LAist (yes, all the way back to the KPCC days). I’ve held a variety of roles, including as a radio producer, political correspondent and senior editor. I’ve also worked as an investigative reporter covering local government and the California state prison system.
I’ve lived in Southern California for over two decades and grew up in Anchorage, Alaska.
My goals
Our newsroom puts community first and brings great rigor and care to all that we do. We’re here to watchdog local government, help you navigate L.A. and Orange counties and shine light on the people and stories that make Southern California so special.
I’m proud of the groundbreaking investigative work produced during my time here. Our watchdog reporting has inspired legislation, helped change federal policies that blocked veterans from housing and increased transparency measures at the L.A. City Council.
I’m also a big believer in people-powered reporting. Earlier in my career, I helped pioneer many of our community engagement projects, and I’m excited about the innovative work we continue in this area. So often, our best stories are informed by you.
Best way to reach me
By email at mplummer@laist.com. You can also send us ideas or tips here.
Stories by Mary Plummer
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Voters have chosen more women for California city councils in recent elections, though their numbers remain low in larger cities like Los Angeles.
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A University of California, Davis, researcher anticipates a surge in Latino eligible voters in the Los Angeles area, with an increase of more than 5 million in the next few decades.
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A recent survey of Los Angeles Unified principals fueled a redistribution of resources for art instruction to schools with more need, but the effort raised problems.
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Trump is speaking Tuesday night as guest of a veterans group on the USS Iowa in San Pedro, where protesters and supporters are scheduled to greet him.
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Manning died earlier this month of liver cancer at age 60. The event at the Los Angeles Theatre Center begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
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An elementary school district south of San Diego hired about 65 new art teachers for this school year. Three music teacher spots still remain open.
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One music teacher spent about $500 to get ready for today's first day back at Los Angeles Unified.
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The public will find out how California public school students fared in the new online exams aligned to the Common Core later than first anticipated.
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You wouldn't think opera would be on a kid's to-do list this summer, but for 55 aspiring singers, it's an out-of-body experience.
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To spread its resources, Los Angeles Unified plans to limit arts instruction in some schools to nine weeks each for subjects like music.
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LAUSD hired more than 900 teachers last year. Out of that group, they awarded 23 teachers, calling them "Rookies of the Year."
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California public schools superintendent Tom Torlakson released a blueprint on improving learning that sets his agenda for his current term.
